Why Is Jujutsu Kaisen Animation Style Changing Is Mappa Overworking Animators

Jujutsu Kaisen has taken the anime world by storm since its debut in 2020. With its sharp character designs, dynamic fight sequences, and emotionally charged storytelling, it quickly became one of the most anticipated weekly shows. However, fans have noticed a significant shift in the animation quality and visual style between Season 1 and the second season—particularly during the \"Shibuya Incident\" arc. This change has sparked widespread debate: Is the animation studio MAPPA overworked? Has artistic direction shifted? Or are production realities catching up with ambitious storytelling?

The evolution—or perceived decline—in Jujutsu Kaisen’s animation isn’t just a matter of fan preference. It reflects broader systemic challenges within the anime industry, particularly around labor practices, production timelines, and creative sustainability. Understanding this shift requires a close look at MAPPA’s role, the pressures of weekly broadcasting, and how animation studios balance artistry with deadlines.

The Evolution of Jujutsu Kaisen’s Visual Style

Season 1 of Jujutsu Kaisen was praised for its consistent high-quality animation. Fight scenes like Satoru Gojo vs. Jogo were fluid, detailed, and cinematic—showcasing MAPPA’s ability to deliver top-tier action choreography. The use of limited but effective color palettes, strong linework, and expressive character animation created a cohesive visual identity that matched Gege Akutami’s manga tone.

By contrast, Season 2 introduced a more fragmented aesthetic. While certain episodes—such as Episode 1 and the finale—featured exceptional animation, others relied heavily on still frames, digital effects, and recycled motion. The Shibuya Incident arc, which covers some of the most intense moments in the series, was notably inconsistent. Some scenes used heavy CGI integration or abstract backgrounds to compensate for reduced frame counts.

This isn’t necessarily a drop in “quality” across the board, but rather a strategic redistribution of resources. High-impact moments were prioritized, while transitional scenes were simplified. This approach is common in modern anime production, especially under tight schedules. But for viewers expecting uniform excellence, the shift felt abrupt.

Tip: When evaluating animation changes, consider episode context—climactic battles often receive more budget and attention than exposition-heavy segments.

Why the Animation Style Changed: Key Factors

The transformation in Jujutsu Kaisen’s animation can be attributed to several interrelated factors:

• Tight Production Schedule: Anime studios operate on strict weekly deadlines. MAPPA had to produce Season 2 concurrently with other major titles like *Chainsaw Man* and *Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End*, stretching their workforce thin.
• Increased Narrative Complexity: The Shibuya Incident arc involves intricate spatial manipulation (Kenjaku’s domain expansion), time loops, and psychological warfare—elements that are difficult to animate consistently without extensive planning.
• Budget Reallocation: Rather than maintaining uniform quality, MAPPA concentrated resources on key episodes. For example, Episode 7 (“The Womb Profusion”) featured stunning animation directed by Shigeyuki Miya, while earlier episodes used more cost-saving techniques.
• Staff Rotation: Unlike film productions, TV anime rely on rotating episode directors and key animators. This leads to stylistic variation from week to week, even within the same season.

“Animation isn’t about consistency every single week—it’s about impact when it matters. Sometimes you save your best for the climax.” — Hiroshi Takeuchi, Former Production Manager at Bones Studio

Is MAPPA Overworking Its Animators?

The question of animator well-being at MAPPA is not new. In recent years, the studio has gained both acclaim and criticism for its output. On one hand, they’ve delivered visually stunning works like *Jujutsu Kaisen 0* and *Chainsaw Man*. On the other, reports from anonymous animators and industry insiders suggest unsustainable workloads.

In 2023, an anonymous key animator posted on social media describing working 120-hour weeks during peak production periods for a major MAPPA project. While not explicitly naming Jujutsu Kaisen, the timeline aligned closely with Season 2’s release. Such conditions are not unique to MAPPA—they reflect broader issues in Japan’s animation industry, where low pay, lack of unionization, and deadline-driven culture contribute to burnout.

MAPPA CEO Manabu Otsuka acknowledged these concerns in a 2022 interview, stating, “We are aware of the strain on our staff and are actively working to improve working conditions through better scheduling and outsourcing.” Yet, tangible improvements remain slow, and the demand for high-octane anime continues to rise.

Signs of Overwork in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2

Indicator	Description	Example in Series
Reduced Frame Count	Fewer hand-drawn frames per second, leading to choppier motion	Character movements in dialogue-heavy scenes
Heavy Use of Digital Effects	Reliance on post-processing filters instead of traditional animation	Smoke, energy bursts, and background distortions
Reused Animation Cycles	Looping walk cycles or attack motions across episodes	Sukuna’s slashes reused in multiple fight scenes
Minimal Lip Syncing	Lack of precise mouth movement during speech	Long monologues with static character faces
Still Frame Storytelling	Static images with voiceover narration	Narrated flashbacks in Episode 5

A Closer Look: The Shibuya Incident Arc Timeline

To understand the pressure MAPPA faced, consider the production timeline behind Season 2:

1. March 2022: Announcement of Season 2, confirmed to cover the pre-Shibuya buildup and the incident itself.
2. July–September 2023: Season 2 airs weekly, totaling 23 episodes including special recap episodes.
3. Concurrent Projects: During this period, MAPPA also produced *Chainsaw Man* (Fall 2022) and began early work on *Yu Yu Hakusho* remake (2023).
4. Episode Peaks: Episodes 1, 7, and 23 received extended production time and higher budgets, featuring guest animators and cinematic direction.
5. Mid-Season Dips: Episodes 3–6 show noticeable drops in animation fidelity, likely due to overlapping deadlines.

This staggered investment strategy—known as “burst production”—is increasingly common. Studios allocate maximum effort to opening and closing episodes, ensuring strong viewer engagement at critical points. However, it results in uneven pacing and visual inconsistency, which can frustrate audiences invested in long-form storytelling.

Mini Case Study: Episode 7 – “The Womb Profusion”

Episode 7 stands out as a masterclass in focused animation. Directed by Shigeyuki Miya, known for his work on *Attack on Titan*, the episode features Hana Kurusu’s tragic backstory and her final battle against Hanami. Every scene is meticulously animated, with flowing water effects, detailed facial expressions, and seamless transitions between memory and reality.

Behind the scenes, this episode reportedly took nearly three months to complete, with a dedicated team working overtime. Meanwhile, surrounding episodes were handled by smaller crews using digital shortcuts. This contrast highlights the trade-offs MAPPA made: one unforgettable episode at the cost of weaker mid-season entries.

Fans responded positively to the emotional depth and visual richness of Episode 7, but many questioned why similar quality couldn’t be sustained throughout the season. The answer lies not in talent, but in resource allocation and human limits.

Expert Perspectives on Sustainable Animation

Industry veterans argue that the current model is fundamentally flawed. Without structural changes, even top studios like MAPPA will continue sacrificing animator well-being for spectacle.

“The anime boom is unsustainable if we keep burning out artists. We need longer production cycles, fair wages, and better international collaboration.” — Yuki Morimoto, Animation Labor Advocate

Morimoto points to France and South Korea as examples where government-backed funding and union protections allow for healthier studio environments. In contrast, Japanese animators often earn less than $30,000 annually despite working 60–80 hour weeks.

Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix now co-fund anime, offering potential leverage to enforce better labor standards. However, most contracts still prioritize speed and volume over working conditions.

What Fans Can Do: A Practical Checklist

While systemic change takes time, viewers play a crucial role in shaping the industry. Here’s how you can support sustainable anime production:

• ✅ Support official releases through legal streaming services and merchandise purchases
• ✅ Avoid spreading unverified rumors about studios or individual animators
• ✅ Recognize and appreciate the labor behind each episode—not just the final product
• ✅ Engage respectfully in online discussions; refrain from blaming overworked creators
• ✅ Advocate for transparency in production credits and labor practices

Tip: Follow animation news outlets like Anime News Network or StudiOtsuka to stay informed about labor issues and ethical consumption.

FAQ: Common Questions About Jujutsu Kaisen’s Animation Shift

Is the animation getting worse in Jujutsu Kaisen?

Not uniformly. While some episodes use simplified techniques, others feature award-worthy animation. The shift reflects strategic resource management rather than declining skill. Certain scenes are intentionally stylized to convey psychological tension, not technical limitation.

Why does MAPPA keep getting big projects if they’re overworking staff?

MAPPA delivers high-profile results on tight deadlines, making them attractive to licensors. Despite controversies, their track record with hits like *Jujutsu Kaisen* and *Chainsaw Man* ensures continued partnerships. Change will require collective pressure from fans, distributors, and regulators.

Will Season 3 fix the animation issues?

Possibly. If given a longer production cycle, Season 3 could see improved consistency. Fan feedback and increased global scrutiny may push stakeholders to invest more in sustainable workflows. However, no official announcement has been made yet.

Conclusion: Balancing Art, Ethics, and Expectations

The changing animation style in Jujutsu Kaisen is not simply a creative choice—it’s a symptom of deeper industry challenges. MAPPA’s ability to produce breathtaking moments amid overwhelming pressure speaks to the talent and dedication of its animators. But admiration should not overshadow accountability.

As fans, we must recognize that every frame comes at a human cost. Celebrating the art means advocating for the artists. By supporting ethical production practices, demanding transparency, and consuming anime responsibly, we help build a future where shows like Jujutsu Kaisen can thrive without exploitation.

🚀 Want to make a difference? Share this article, discuss animator rights in fan communities, and choose platforms that value fair labor. The future of anime depends on all of us.